The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topic
Envisat is the biggest satellite ever developed in Europe. Its transport from ESAÕs test and integration facilities in Noordwijk in the Netherlands to EuropeÕs spaceport in Kourou in South America took place by plane. Getting 8 tons of delicate hi-tech equipment transported over 8000 km was no easy task for the engineers and logistics experts. This programme tells the story, including soundbites with those who participated in the task.
The 5-minute A-roll contains split audio with an English guide track and is complemented by a longer B-roll with clean international sound.
ENVISAT FROM NOORDWIJK TO KOUROU
ENVISAT - THE CHALLENGE OF ITS TRANSPORT TO KOUROU
A ROLL : RUN TIME 05':20''
START 00:00
Pictures TC Text
00:38 This satellite Envisat, is the result of nearly ten years of work by the European Space Agency, with over 100 high-tech companies throughout Europe involved in design and development. It represents Europe's most important contributions to global environmental monitoring.
(satellite in Noordwijk)
00:52 Observing land, oceans, atmosphere and ice caps, it will help scientists to better understand the system Earth, and it will monitor global change from its unique vantage point in space. Envisat data will give scientists and policy makers crucial information to make informed decision about how to protect Earth's environment.
(Computer simulation
Envisat monitoring)
01:12 It's an important day for Dave Watson, an ESA satellite engineer. Having passed all tests, successfully the satellite is now ready to leave ESA's Test and Integration Cent